Lunge Exercise Research

The research was published by the University of
Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky University, and the purpose of the study
was to examine the muscle activation at three different squat depths
versus the body weight lunges exercise.

Here is what happened:

Eight
female collegiate athletes volunteered for the study, with each
participant performing 5 squats at each depth and the body weight lunge.

Surface EMG data and video were used to record and analyze the motion.

Each
subject then performed five weighted squats of 70% of their body weight
to 90°, 60°, and 30° respectively, followed by five body weight lunges.

And the result?

The lunges exercise activated most of the lower body muscles greater than the squat.

How to Thrash Your Thigh Muscles

So how comprehensive was this victory? The study
demonstrated that there is no greater muscle activation when performing
the squat when compared to that of the body weight lunge. Instead, the
research would show that lunges produce more activation in the majority of those muscles evaluated, coming top in 85% of the tests completed.

What does this mean to you?

It means there are viable and effective alternatives available, if you are unable to squat.

It
also means, you don't have to be locked into the mindset that the
traditional barbell squat is the best and only way to thrash your thigh muscles
or whip your wheels.